Heated mug

ABSTRACT

A heated mug comprising a vessel for fluid storage and a heat source to heat the fluid is provided. The heat source may be activated as desired to heat or re-heat fluid within the vessel. The mug may have a two part configuration, the vessel being formed by one part, and the heat source being positioned in the other part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to mugs for storage of heated fluids. More particularly the present invention relates to a travel mug having a heat source to maintain or raise a temperature of the heated fluid within the mug.

2. Description of Related Art

Mugs are commonly used to store heated fluids such as tea, coffee, soups, and the like. Further, travel mugs are often used to safely transport these heated fluids. Travel mugs are generally insulated in order to maintain the heat of the fluid contained within them. While this insulation helps a great deal at limiting heat loss from the fluid, it is inevitable that over the course of a few hours, the fluid will loose a substantial amount of heat.

Therefore, what is needed is a device that may not only prevent heat loss of heated fluid in a mug, but that may also add heat to the fluid to maintain or raise its temperature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, a heated travel mug is provided. The heated mug has a top portion defining a vessel for fluid storage. The top portion has an insulated outer wall and a bottom defining both a lower surface of the vessel and lower surface of the top portion. The bottom is constructed of a material with high heat conductivity and is configured to facilitate heat transfer into the vessel. A lower portion of the heated mug is removably attached to the bottom of the top portion. An upper surface of the lower portion is in direct contact with at least a part of the bottom of the top portion when attached. A heat source is removably positioned within the lower portion. The heat source is designed to produce heat and transfer it to the upper surface of the lower portion; the upper surface in turn transfers the heat to the bottom of the top portion by conduction when attached. Subsequently, the bottom of the top portion transfers heat to fluid within the vessel. A cover may be attached to an opening in the vessel. The cover is configured to seal an opening in a closed position, and to allow fluid flow to and from the vessel in an open position.

In another aspect, a heated travel mug is provided. The heated mug has a top portion defining a vessel for fluid storage. An air channel extends from a bottom to top of the top portion. A lower portion is removably attached to the top portion. The lower portion has an air outlet in communication with the air channel at the bottom of the top portion and an air inlet providing fluid communication between the air outlet and an outside of the lower portion. A heat source is removably positioned within the lower portion. The heat source is positioned to be in communication with the air channel, and configured to heat surrounding air within the lower portion, allowing the heated air to flow through the channel of the top portion-thereby heating the top portion and fluid contained within its vessel. A cover may be attached to an opening in the vessel, configured to seal an opening in a closed position, and allow fluid flow to and from the vessel in an open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a view of an embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 2 provides a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 3 provides a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a heat source.

FIG. 4 provides a view of another embodiment of the heat source.

FIG. 5 provides a cutaway view of another embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 6 provides a cutaway view of another embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 7 provides a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 8 provides a view of still another embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 9 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of the heated mug.

FIG. 10 provides a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a lower portion of the heated mug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Generally, the present invention concerns a heated mug that insulates as well as heats fluid contained within it. The mug is generally comprised of a vessel for the storage of fluid, and a heat source, configured to provide heat to the vessel. The heat source may be used to maintain the heat of the fluid, or may be used to reheat fluid once it has cooled.

The vessel may be configured in various manners such that a heat source is capable of transferring heat to an interior of the vessel and to any fluid therein. Further, in many embodiments the mug is formed of a top portion and lower portion, the top portion and lower portion being removably attachable, allowing removal of the two parts for cleaning, replacement, and the like. In some embodiments, the mug may receive the heat source at a lower portion, while the top portion forms the vessel, and has an opening for fluid flow into and out of the vessel interior. In some embodiments, the mug may have an air vent at its top to release exhaust gas from the heat source. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the mug may have an air inlet to take in air for heating. In another embodiment, the heat source may transfer heat by conduction between a surface of the lower portion and a surface of the top portion.

The top portion and lower portion may be attachable in any manner capable of holding the two together. In one embodiment, a threaded connection may attach the portions. In another embodiment, a snap connection may hold the portions together. In still another embodiment, a pressure fitting may hold the portions together.

The heat source may be any portable heat-producing device. In one embodiment, the heat source may burn a fuel to produce heat. In another embodiment, the heat source may be electric, utilizing, for example, an electric heating element to provide heat. In still another embodiment, the heat source may be a commonly available fuel-based lighter, such as a Bic® or other similar lighter, disposable or otherwise, butane torch lighter, Zippo®, or the like. In these embodiments, the mug may be configured to receive the lighter which may incorporate it as the heat source. In a particular embodiment, a lighter may be attached to the heated mug in such a way that a button on the lighter is depressed, releasing fuel within the lighter. A spark source separate from the lighter may provide a spark once the button is depressed to ignite the fuel, providing a flame for the heat source. For example, the lighter may be inserted vertically through a bottom of the mug with a flame source oriented upwardly. A protrusion within the mug may depress a button of the lighter when the heat source is activated.

In embodiments using a fuel based heat source, an igniter may be used to ignite the fuel based heat source. The fuel source may be configured to be in close proximity to the igniter such that it is close enough for a spark or other ignition source to ignite the fuel.

In embodiments wherein the heat source is a fuel burning heat source, an air outlet is needed to release the exhaust gasses. In one embodiment, the air outlet may be at a top area of the lower portion. In a further embodiment a fin or other structure may direct the exhaust gasses about an outer surface of the lower portion. In this manner the exhaust gasses may act as a hand warmer either by direct contact of the exhaust gas with hands, or by warming the outer surface of the lower portion.

In one embodiment wherein the heat source burns a fuel, a mug top portion may define a channel running from the lower portion to the top portion. In one embodiment, the channel may be a central channel that allows heated air to pass from the heat source through a center of the mug, heating the mug and fluid stored therein by conduction. The heated air may then exit from an opening near a top of the mug. In another embodiment, the channel may be on an outside of the mug, between a layer of insulation and an interior vessel. In this embodiment, the heated air may exit through a top of the mug.

About the channel, the top portion may define a vessel for fluid storage that either surrounds the central channel or is surrounded by the outer channel. The vessel having a substantially donut shaped cross section or a circular cross section. The fluid inlet may be configured as a spout and positioned anywhere near the top of the mug. In one embodiment, the inlet may be on a side of the mug, near the top. In another embodiment, the inlet may be on a top of the mug.

In one embodiment, one or a plurality of fins may extend from the channel to an interior of the vessel. These fins may aid in heat transfer from the channel into the vessel. The fins may be made of any material that readily conducts heat, however generally, a metallic material may be used.

In another embodiment, the channel may be filled with an air-permeable metal mesh. The mesh may facilitate heat capture from the heated air passing through it, and may transfer this heat efficiently to the interior of the vessel.

In still another embodiment, the channel may have both fins and metal mesh, to further aid heat transfer from the heated air from the heat source into the interior of the vessel.

In one embodiment, the outlet from the channel may be in the form of a vent covered by a cover. The cover may be manually removable or openable, or may automatically open when the heat source is operating. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover may be a small check valve that opens upon the application of a slight pressure in the interior of the channel.

In another embodiment, the channel may be directed to a side of the vessel towards a top portion of the vessel. In this embodiment the heated air may be vented through the channel to the side of the vessel. Further, in this embodiment, an opening to the vessel may be on the opposite side, 180 degrees from the channel outlet.

In yet another embodiment, the channel may be formed as a dual concentric channel, a top of an inner channel wall being spaced away from a top of an outer channel, allowing communication between the inner and outer channel. The outer channel may have vents at a bottom of the vessel. In this embodiment, the heated air from the heat source may travel upwards through the inner channel and then outwards through the outer channel, and exit through a vent at a bottom of the mug. In this embodiment, heat may be transferred to the vessel and the exhaust may exit through a bottom, potentially through a protected vent to limit user exposure to heated air.

In a further embodiment a vent for the heated air from the heat source may be capable of an open position and a closed position.

In another embodiment, heated mug may comprise a top portion and lower portion removably attached to each other. In this embodiment, the lower portion may receive a removable fuel cell, either fuel based or electric, that may provide a heat source for the heated mug. This fuel cell may generate heat for transfer, via conduction, from the lower portion to the top portion. The bottom surface being non-insulated and formed of a material that readily conducts heat, such as metal. The top portion forms the vessel for storage of the fluid. The top portion may comprise insulated walls about a central vessel. The top portion may comprise a cap or cover that seals the vessel. Further, in one embodiment, the top portion may comprise a heat sink such as a fin protruding into the vessel from the side or bottom of the vessel. The heat sink is structured to optimize heat transfer by conduction by having a large surface area and being formed of a highly conductive material such as a metal. In a further embodiment, the heat sink may protrude from a bottom of the top portion to be received by the lower portion when attached. In still a further embodiment, the heat sink may form a recess in a bottom of the top portion, and the lower portion may form a protrusion configured to mate with the recess when attached.

The heat source may be removably attached to the lower portion and may be activated and deactivated as needed. The interior of the lower portion may form an air cavity about the heat source that may transfer heat to the protrusion, which in turn transfers heat to the bottom of the top portion of the heated mug. In another embodiment, the interior of the lower portion may comprise a mass of metal or other heat-conductive material in communication with the protrusion. In still another embodiment the interior of the lower portion may form a cavity filled with a metal mesh.

The heat source may be activated and deactivated as needed. A switch or toggle may be used to activate and deactivate the heat source such as an on off switch, a variable intensity switch, a timer switch, a twist switch, and the like. In one embodiment, a twist switch positioned on a bottom of the mug may be utilized. In a further embodiment, the twist switch may comprise a connection to an igniter, such that the twist switch may be twisted slightly past an “on” position to activate the igniter.

In yet another embodiment of the heated mug, a heat source may be used to heat a plurality of stones or other heat absorbing units. These stones may then be manually placed in the mug to be used as heat sources. In one embodiment, a heating portion of the mug may be used to heat the stones by a heat source. The stones may be then transferred from the heating portion to a portion of the mug forming a vessel for fluid storage. In a particular embodiment, a heat source may be integrated into a lower portion, the lower portion having a cavity for the storage of the stones. The lower portion may be removable from the top portion forming the fluid vessel.

Turning now to FIG. 1 a view of an embodiment of the heated mug is provided. The mug has a top portion 10 and a bottom portion 11. An opening to the top portion 10 is shown sealed by a cover 13. Contents within the top portion may pass through a spout 14. A bottom of a heat source 12 is positioned within the lower portion 11 and removably attached thereto.

FIG. 2 shows a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the heated mug. In this embodiment, the mug has a top portion 10 and a bottom portion 11. An opening to the top portion 10 is shown sealed by a cover 13. Contents within the top portion may pass through a spout 14. A heat source 12 is positioned within the lower portion 11 and removably attached thereto. As shown in the cutaway the wall of the top portion 10 comprises two layers, the innermost layer forms a channel 15 through which heated air from the heat source 12 may pass to heat fluid within the top portion 10. The channel 15 is separated from a vessel 20 for fluid storage by a wall having good heat conducting properties, such as metal. An outer layer is formed of a quantity of insulation 16 to limit heat flow between an exterior and an interior of the top portion.

FIG. 3 provides an embodiment of a heat source. In this embodiment, the heat source 30 is a puck shaped fuel burning heat source. The heat source 30 has a threaded connector 32 allowing it to be removably attached to the lower portion (not shown). A partial cutaway of the heat source 30 shows fuels 31 contained within. Combustion of the fuel 31 occurs at the nozzle 33 which releases fuel at a controlled rate and may provide an ignition source.

FIG. 4 provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the heat source. The heat source 30 has a lower portion 12 which may protrude from the mug when it is attached. The heat source 30 has threads 32 to allow it to be removably attached to a lower portion (not shown) of the mug. A nozzle 33 provides a flow of fuel out of the heat source. The nozzle 33 may further comprise an ignition source in some embodiments.

FIG. 5 provides a view of another embodiment of the heated mug. The mug has a top portion 10 and a lower portion 11 removably attached to each other. The top portion forms an interior channel 54 through which air may flow from a bottom to top of the top portion 10. A cap 53 is positioned at a top of the top portion 10. A plurality of outlets 57 are positioned on a top surface of the cap 53. A vessel 55 for fluid storage is positioned within the top portion 10 around the central channel, such that it has a donut shaped cross section. An opening 52 is positioned on a side of the top portion 10 towards its top. The opening 52 may allow inlet and outlet of fluid within the vessel 55. The lower portion 11 has a heat source 30 removably attached to it. A part of the heat source 12 extends from the lower portion 11. In operation the nozzle 33 releases a fuel that, when ignited, causes flame 51. The flame heats nearby air 56 which rises up through the channel 54, heating the walls of the channel and in turn fluid within the vessel. In some embodiments, a mesh and/or fins may be positioned within the channel 54 to enhance heat capture from the air 56, and to enhance heat transfer from the channel 54 to the interior of the vessel 55.

FIG. 6 provides a cutaway view of another embodiment of the heated mug. In this embodiment a cylindrical rod 60 extends from the lower portion 11 and mates with a cylindrical depression 61 in a bottom of the top portion 10. The cylindrical depression 61 extends into the fluid storage vessel and aids in heat transfer between the heat source 30 of the lower portion to fluid within the vessel. Further, in this embodiment a plurality of fins 63 extends from the cylindrical depression 61 into the vessel. The fins 63 provide added heat transfer efficiency from the heat source 30. The lower portion is shown herein as having a cylindrical fuel based heat source 30, however it should be understood that any heat source and heat source configuration may be used. In this embodiment, the heat source uses a flame from the nozzle 33 to heat, either directly or indirectly, the top of the lower portion 11 and the cylindrical rod 60 which in turn transfers heat to the fluid within the vessel.

FIG. 7 provides a view of still another embodiment of the heated mug. In this view, a partial cutaway is shown with a quantity of metal mesh 72 exposed. In this embodiment, the metal mesh is positioned within the channel 15 of FIG. 2 or 54 of FIG. 5. The metal is intended to aid in heat capture and heat transfer from heated air to fluid stored within the top portion 10. An igniter button 70 is positioned on the top portion 10. The igniter button 70 triggers an igniter to light a fuel of the heat source 12. It should be understood that the igniter button 70 may be positioned anywhere on the top portion 10 or the lower portion 11. Moreover, while an igniter button 70 is used to activate the heat source in this embodiment, an on-off button could be used in substitution in the event that the heat source 12 is an electric heat source.

FIG. 8 provides a view of yet another embodiment of the heated mug. In this embodiment, the top portion 10 is attached to the bottom portion 11. The interface 80 between the top portion 10 and bottom portion 11 is formed as an inwardly angled depression extending inwardly towards a center of the top portion 10, while the bottom portion has a matching triangular protrusion sized to mate with the angled depression. A heat source 12 is positioned at a bottom of the lower portion 11. A cover 13 covers an opening in the top portion 10 vessel, and a spout 14 allows opening and closing to allow sipping of fluid within the vessel when open. In this embodiment, heat may be transferred from the heat source 12 of the lower portion 11 via conduction at the interface 80 of the top portion 10 and lower portion 11.

FIG. 9 provides an exploded view of another embodiment of the heated mug. In this embodiment, the top portion 10 is removably attached to the bottom portion 11 and connectable by a snap fitting connection 91 and 93. The interface 80 between the top portion 10 and bottom portion 11 is formed as an inwardly angled depression extending inwardly towards a center of the top portion 10, while the bottom portion has a matching triangular protrusion sized to mate with the angled depression. A heat source 12 is positioned at a bottom of the lower portion 11. A cover 13 covers an opening in the top portion 10 vessel, and a spout 14 allows opening and closing to allow sipping of fluid within the vessel when open. In this embodiment, heat may be transferred from the heat source 12 of the lower portion 11 via conduction on an upper surface 92 of the lower portion 11 at the interface 80.

FIG. 10 provides a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a lower portion of the heated mug. In this view the heat source 30 is attached within the lower portion. When activated, the heat source 30 will heat an upper surface 92, which may in turn transfer heat to a bottom of the top portion (not shown), and heat any fluid contained therein.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments usable separately or in combination, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heated travel mug comprising: a top portion defining a vessel configured for fluid storage, the top portion having an insulated outer wall and having a bottom defining both a lower surface of the vessel and lower surface of the top portion, the bottom being non-insulated and configured to allow heat transfer into the vessel; a lower portion removably attached to the top portion, an upper surface of the lower portion being in direct contact with a part of the bottom of the top portion; a heat source removably positioned within the lower portion, the heat source configured and positioned to heat the upper surface of the lower portion, the upper surface transferring the heat to the bottom of the top portion by conduction; and a cover attached to an opening in the vessel, configured to seal the opening in a closed position, and configured to allow fluid flow to and from the vessel in an open position.
 2. The heated mug of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the top portion comprises a depression extending into the vessel, and wherein the upper surface of the lower portion comprises a protrusion configured to mate with the depression.
 3. The heated mug of claim 2 wherein the depression of the bottom is a cylindrical extension into the vessel forming a slot within the bottom of the top portion, and wherein the protrusion of the upper surface of the lower portion is a cylindrical protrusion sized to fit within the slot.
 4. The heated mug of claim 1 further comprising a heat sink extending from the bottom into the vessel.
 5. The heated mug of claim 1 wherein the heat source is a fuel based heat source.
 6. The heated mug of claim 5 wherein the lower portion further comprises an air inlet and an air outlet.
 7. The heated mug of claim 5 wherein the fueled based heat source is a lighter.
 8. The heated mug of claim 1 wherein the top portion and lower portion are attached by a snap fitting and releasable by a button release.
 9. The heated mug of claim 1 wherein a quantity of metal mesh is positioned within a void of the lower portion between the heat source and the upper surface.
 10. The heated mug of claim 5 further comprising an ignition source in close proximity to the heat source.
 11. The heated mug of claim 10 further comprising a rotatable switch on a bottom of the lower portion, the rotatable switch activating the heat source in a first position, and deactivating it in a second position.
 12. A heated mug comprising: a top portion defining a vessel configured for fluid storage, and defining an air channel providing fluid communication from a bottom to a top of the top portion; a lower portion removably attached to the top portion, the lower portion having an air outlet in communication with the air channel at the bottom of the top portion when attached, and an air inlet providing fluid communication between the air outlet and an outside of the lower portion; a heat source, the heat source removably positioned within the lower portion and configured to provide heated air flow through the air channel; a cover attached to an opening in the vessel, configured to seal the opening in a closed position, and configured to allow fluid flow to and from the vessel in an open position.
 13. The heated mug of claim 12 wherein the air channel passes through a central axis of the top portion, and wherein the vessel is positioned about an outside of the top portion, the vessel having a substantially donut shaped cross section with an insulated outer wall and a heat conducting inner wall, the opening to the vessel positioned on an upper side of the top portion.
 14. The heated mug of claim 12 wherein the air channel passes along an interior edge of the top portion, an outlet of the air channel being along the side of the top portion near its top, and wherein the vessel is formed by a heat conductive sidewall separating the air channel from the vessel, the vessel being accessible by the opening positioned on an upper surface of the top portion.
 15. The heated mug of claim 12 further comprising a quantity of metal mesh within the channel.
 16. The heated mug of claim 12 further comprising a fin extending from a sidewall of the vessel inwards toward a center of the vessel.
 17. The heated mug of claim 12 wherein the heat source is a lighter.
 18. The heated mug of claim 17 wherein the lower portion further comprises a slot configured to receive the lighter, and a protrusion configured to depress a button of the lighter when the heat source is an active mode.
 19. The heated mug of claim 18 further comprising a rotatable switch, the rotatable switch having a ramp of increasing thickness about a portion of its circumference, the ramp having an increased thickness and a decreased thickness, the rotatable switch attached to a bottom of the lower portion, and having an on position and an off position, a bottom surface of the lighter being in communication with the ramp, the on position of the switch having the increased thickness of the ramp contacting the bottom of the lighter, urging the lighter upwards against the protrusion, the off position of the switch having the decreased thickness of the ramp contacting the bottom of the lighter, causing the lighter to be positioned away from the protrusion.
 20. The heated mug of claim 12 further comprising an igniter in close proximity with the heat source. 